Are you new to the M96 engine? There are several versions of the IMS bearing used from 1997 through 2008 in Porsche Boxster, Cayman, and 911 models.
- Due to variations through these years, we recommend that shops stock both single and dual row IMS bearing replacement kits
- Shops must first visually identify which bearing is needed before attempting installation of a replacement IMS bearing.
- Engines already fitted with an IMS Retrofit may require replacement of the IMS bearing if beyond the recommended intermediate shaft bearing service interval.
- The correct kit must be used for your engine otherwise engine failure or damage may occur.
- The IMS Pro Toolkit is required for all installations. The Supplemental Tool kit is used for the IMS Solution & 06-08 Bearing, while the Faultless Tool kit is required for the Single Row Pro IMS Retrofit.
- The RND RS Roller IMS Retrofit only requires the IMS Pro Tool Kit for installation.
- Remember, engines in model year 2006 or later will have the larger non-serviceable 06-08 Porsche IMS bearing that cannot be serviced without complete dis-assembly of the engine!
Although the following table shows what IMS bearing your engine *should* have, we still recommend verifying which IMS bearing your engine actually has. It is up to you to make sure that you order and install the correct IMS bearing kit:
The base model Porsche 997 911 Carrera M96.05 3.6 liter engine up to serial number 69507475 should have the serviceable single row IMS bearing. M96.05 engines after serial number 69507475 should have the larger 06-08 non-serviceable IMS bearing.
The S model Porsche 997 911 Carrera S M97.01 3.8 liter engine up to serial number 68509791 should have the serviceable single row IMS bearing. M97.01 engines after serial number 68509791 should have the larger 06-08 non-serviceable IMS bearing.
The engine serial number can be located on the lower edge of the engine’s integrated dry sump as shown below.
If the engine has an X or AT in the serial number, the engine is a remanufactured engine from Porsche and will have whatever IMS bearing was being used by Porsche in the model year the replacement engine was manufactured.
So what IMS Bearing should my Porsche have?
Model year 2000 and 2001 engines came from the factory with either a dual row or a single row bearing IMS.
Some late model year 2005 engines were also fitted with a larger bearing that is not serviceable without a complete teardown of the engine.
If the vehicle was fitted with a replacement engine, it will have whatever IMS bearing was currently being used by Porsche during that production year.
As such you must identify which bearing was used to verify compatibility.
